Viral photo spreads hope, love for cancer patients

Bethany, Oklahoma (KETK) —
A photo circulating Facebook is making a big impact in the online community Wednesday.

The picture was taken by Lora Scantling, owner of Scantling Photography[1] in Bethany, Oklahoma. The photo depicts three little girls fighting cancer together. The caption reads: "Sometimes strength comes in knowing that your are not alone."

The heartfelt image has spread from Oklahoma to people across America, including East Texas. Photographer Lora Scantling has been overwhelmed by the response.

"All I wanted to do was take a portrait that would touch lives and the results was far more than I could have imagined! These little girls are warming hearts all over the nation." said Scantling.

In the picture from left to right are Rylie, 3, Rheann, 6, and Ainsley, 4.

According to Rheann's Facebook page[2], she was diagnosed with Non-Metastatic Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the brain on October 10, 2012. More tumors were found in February 2013 and she was redefined as Mucoid Spindle Sarcoma of the brain. Since then, it spread and she is now Metastatic.

Ainsley is fighting l[3]eukemia[4], and Rylie was diagnosed with stage 5 bilateral Wilms' tumors. She recently beat the rare kidney cancer[5] in January of this year.

Scantling said the photo shoot was close to her heart with her own stepdad currently battling stage 4 lung cancer and friends who lost their 1-year-old boy six years ago to leukemia. She wanted to do it for them.

So when you see this picture, know you're not alone and share it with others who need to know!

You can also watch a slideshow of the project above.

A print of the photo of the photo is also for sale here[6]. A portion of the proceeds will go to the children's families.